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Libraries working on first county-wide reading campaign

SANDUSKY
The Erie County Reads program is working to get everyone on the same page -- litera

Sandusky Register Staff

May 24, 2010

SANDUSKY

The Erie County Reads program is working to get everyone on the same page -- literally.

Five county libraries are working together on the first county-wide reading campaign, "One Book, One Community: Erie County Reads."

The Sandusky Library along with the Bellevue Public Library, Huron Public Library, Milan-Berlin Township Public Libraries and the Ritter Public Library in Vermilion are all taking part in the program that aims to have all of the county read the same book during the month of October.

"The idea is to encourage reading and get people involved," said Molly Carver, director of the Bellevue Library.

The chosen book is Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog written by John Grogan. Grogan has also written two books about Marley for children, Marley: A Dog like No Other for ages 9 to 12 and Bad Dog, Marley! for ages 4 to 8.

"There's something for just about every reader," said Wendy Harper, director of the Milan-Berlin Libraries. "We've got things for adults, kids and whole families to participate in."

For their discussion group, Harper said the library is encouraging people to read the book and to bring photos and stories of their own dogs.

"It's a good way to bring the community together," said Julie Brooks, director of the Sandusky Library.

The events scheduled at the libraries throughout October will be leading up to an author lecture and book signing with Grogan at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Sandusky State Theatre.

The lecture and signing is open to the public. Admission is free. Copies of the book will be for sale the night of the event, or attendees may bring his or her own copy to be signed.

"Having the opportunity to hear the author certainly enhances the reading experience," said Anne Hinton, director of the Huron Library.

Janet Ford, director of the Ritter Public Library in Vermilion said that there has already been a good response from the community.

"We've had extra people join our book discussions," Ford said.

This is the first year that a county-wide cooperative project has been done by the area libraries.

"It's our first year of many I hope," Brooks added. "I think it can become a bigger thing every year."